Byline: Isaac Job, Uyo
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 489 pharmaceutical premises in Akwa Ibom State, comprising 122 pharmacies and 367 patent medicine stores. Additionally, six premises received compliance directives.
Dr Suleiman Chiroma, Head of Enforcement at PCN, announced this during a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, May 15, on behalf of the Registrar. He stated that the weeklong enforcement exercise aimed to eliminate quackery and ensure optimal conditions and expertise for access to quality medicines in Nigeria.
Chiroma explained that the closures spanned 14 local government areas: Uyo, Okobo, Oron, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi, Abak, Essien Udim, Ibiono Ibom, Ikono, Ini, Eket, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Itu.
“The National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which PCN is enforcing, aim to ensure proper and effective channels of drug distribution, addressing the chaotic drug distribution system that allows untrained persons to handle medicines,” he said.
He noted a significant issue observed during the exercise: “One of the serious misnomers and trends observed was the uncontrolled and rampant training of apprentices by some premises, which is a flagrant violation of the PCN Act.”